Everything you Need to Know about the 2018 Mustang
Just three years ago, the highly-anticipated 2015 Mustang was introduced by Ford, signaling the legendary car’s 6th generation design. Some of the Mustang’s new features gained rave reviews, others not so much. Whatever you thought about the ’15 Mustang, one thing was indisputable: the new design had everyone talking.
Today, another Mustang is set to launch soon, and the 2018 Mustang comes with as much anticipation as disputed information. Will there be a big change in engine design? What about interior and aesthetic features? Will the V6 engine be an option again, or has it been eclipsed by the more powerful (and better selling) 4-cylinder EcoBoost? Are all the technological rumors true? Will the ’18 Ford Mustang start a 7th generation production run?
You’ve got questions, and RPI Designs has answers. From exterior features to under-the-hood performance factors, we had our team research the latest news, the hottest rumors and the most controversial hype surrounding the release of the 2018 Mustang.
RPI Designs offers premium 6th generation Mustang parts and accessories at great prices, and we’re already preparing for the 2018 Ford Mustang. Our parts and components are designed to perform just like their OEM counterparts, and in some cases, better. So no matter where the 2018 Ford Mustang takes us, you can count on RPI Designs for bumper-to-bumper coverage: exhaust systems, exterior accessories, engine components and much more.
If it’s on the 2018 Ford Mustang, RPI Designs will carry it. From older Ford Mustang generations right up to the 2018 Mustang, we have everything you’re looking for.
Before we look at what to expect for the 2018 Ford Mustang, let’s take a brief trip through recent history to see how the Mustang’s recent demand has created excitement for the latest release.
The Ford Mustang Family Tree – Legendary Lineage, Looking for a Power Surge
After a brief downturn in the early 2000s, the Ford Mustang brand was revitalized in a big way, thanks to the 6th generation pony car. From 2015 through 2016, Ford’s popular sportscar was clearly on the rise – in fact, the Mustang ended 2016 as the top-selling sports car in the United States.
But Mustang mania is a phenomenon overseas, as well. The automobile markets in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and other major European countries have shown a healthy demand for the 6th generation Mustang, which currently ranks as the most popular, best-selling sports car in the European Union. Previously, European car buyers opted for high-performance sports cars produced by Germany and Italy; however, the Mustang’s recent surge has provided a near-unthinkable coup for the Ford Motor Company: status as top dog in Europe.
So move over, Mercedes. Au revoir, Audi. There’s a new sports car ready to cement its status as not just the car of choice in America, or in Europe – but the entire world!
This sudden, somewhat surprising demand in foreign markets is one of the major reasons that Ford has decided to enhance the next Mustang. The 2018 model has been the most talked-about topic in the car market for the past year, and for good reason.
What’s in store for the 2018 ‘Stang?
The 2018 Mustang is Retooled, not Redesigned
Let’s put all the 7th generation rumors to bed right away. Despite some conflicting reports, the 2018 Ford Mustang will not introduce the 7th generation design. Think of the 2018 Mustang as a refined, retooled, re-imagined version of the current 6th generation car. If there ever was a “half-generation” upgrade, the 2018 model would certainly qualify as one.
However, Ford has decided to keep the 7th generation under wraps for at least a few more years. 2022 was the original target date, but recent reports have suggested 2020 might herald the 7th gen Ford Mustang. Regardless, the 2018 “half-gen” design won’t last forever – only 2 years, if the 2020 predictions are correct.
That’s part of the 2018 Ford Mustang’s appeal. While other design tweaks and upgrades are locked in place for a long time, the 2018 Mustang seems poised for a rather limited shelf life. And for Mustang collectors and enthusiasts, that only adds more anticipation to what the 2018 model holds in store.
Under the Hood: What to Expect from the 2018 Ford Mustang
When the 2015 Mustang was released, critics were pleasantly surprised by the car’s base 2.3 L, 310 HP EcoBoost engine. Something about the term “EcoBoost” implied a tree-hugging quality rather than rubber-burning power, but Ford’s newly designed engine quickly puts any rumors to bed – in keeping with the pony car’s high-speed heritage, the EcoBoost was a worthy successor of the Mustang’s previous engines.
Well, the 2018 Ford Mustang isn’t about to do away with the EcoBoost; after all, if it isn’t broke, why bother fixing it. Anyone who desires a little extra speed with their new ‘Stang will be taken aback by the 2018 Mustang’s new 2.3 L EcoBoost, with enhanced transient over boost function for a bit more torque.
The 2018 Ford Mustang offers a 2nd, more powerful engine alternative, the 5.0 L V8 Coyote. More efficient, more powerful, higher torque than its predecessor – what’s not to like about the new Coyote engine?
But what about the V6, which left much to be desired in HP department? Ford has decided to scrap the underwhelming V6 engine for the 2018 Mustang – and based on early intelligence, it will hardly be missed. Given the EcoBoost’s turbocharged performance and the raw, high-revving thrust of the 5.0 L V8, it’s easy to see why – at least for the next design, anyway – that Ford has done away with the middle man.
Transmission-wise, the 2018 Ford Mustang will introduce a feature that usually rolls out with a new generation. While the smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission will remain a staple, Ford plans to roll out a 10-speed automatic transmission. This new 10-speed entry shows just how serious Ford is about challenging the established European brands. Audi and Mercedes have always displayed cutting-edge manual transmission design, and the 2018 Ford Mustang’s 10-speed variety is just one more design element that will certainly make European sportscar manufacturers stand up and take notice.
And with advanced control capability, Ford is hoping that the new 10-speed transmission will cause Mustang fans all over the world stand up and pay attention, too!
To push the envelope even further toward high-end performance, a dual-clutch transmission also appears to be in the works. While this feature wouldn’t excite all Mustang fans, it would certainly cause ripples with Mustang enthusiasts that want a little more pep in their car’s step. This feature is expected to impact the Shelby GT350 and GT350R. But stay tuned, and this is one of the 2018 Ford Mustang upgrades that’s being kept under wraps pretty well.
Interior Enhancements: Making the Control Cabin Even Better
Just like the alloy wheel custom options, Ford has delivered a sleek, totally cool control mechanism for the interior cockpit: an optional 12” LCD instrument panel. The panel provides personalized gauge layouts, colorful display possibilities, and comprehensive gauge data monitoring. It’s a complete, just-compact-enough portal into everything that’s happening with the 2018 Ford Mustang.
With the 12” LCD panel, Ford has made the 2018 Mustang surprisingly tech-friendly. The new panel is an impressive rebound from their previous onboard control system, the MyFord Touch, which received mixed reviews for its clunky operation and slow responsiveness.
Standard control screen information is right where it needs to be, and the 2018 Ford Mustang’s new cockpit also features large, easy-to-read icons, so drivers can spend more time with their eyes on the road. Symmetrical control knobs for the sound system mimic a similar concentric cluster layout, which brings a buttoned-up feel to the 2018 Ford Mustang interior. As an added bonus, the 2018 Ford Mustang will also include a Voice Activated Touchscreen, complete with pinch-to-zoom function. Whatever your smartphone can do, the 2018 Ford Mustang can do it better!
Driver-assist technology, a popular part of the 7th generation Mustang, continues with enhanced blind spot notification with the 2018 model. Sleek features and safety-conscious additions make the newest Mustang a true innovator in the field of automotive technology.
Even the shift knob has been ever-so-slightly upgraded, with a natural short-throw feel that adds revved-up function to the interior. All in all, the 2018 Ford Mustang is a significant upgrade from a cockpit vantage point.
Exterior Additions: Aggressive, Sophisticated, Sleek
Starting from the ground up, it’s not hard to notice the 2018 Ford Mustang’s exterior. With up to one dozen alloy wheel designs available, Ford offers consumers virtually unmatched customization, right from the get-go. The Mustang’s wheel design has always been an underrated part of the car’s aggressive exterior design, but it’s hard to underestimate 12 different designs. For anyone that loves to put their own stamp on sports car design, the 2018 Ford Mustang alloy wheel offerings are hard to beat.
Those wheels will also enjoy enhanced control as well, with the MagneRide system. This advanced road sensing technology quickly analyzes and anticipates changing road conditions, which means better overall handling for the 2018 Ford Mustang. Control and handling were always considered an advantage for European sports cars, but the MagneRide system proves otherwise.
If the 2018 Ford Mustang appears lower to the ground, that’s because it is – well, at least the hood, anyway. The Mustang’s road-racing profile shows an improvement with the 2018 model, thanks to a lowered hood. Plus, the sleek, angular hood vents will come standard with all 2018 Ford Mustang varieties, which is a departure from previous designs. To complement the new hood design, the 2018 Ford Mustang also has redesigned front and lower grilles, bringing an athletic, aggressive profile to the pony car.
Rumors keep persisting about a dual-mode sports exhaust, which Chevy has already deployed for the Mustang’s rival, the Camaro SS. While this feature isn’t quite set in stone, expect the 2018 Ford Mustang to come properly equipped with this performance exhaust configuration.
One other exterior feature that will get a new look are the LED fog lamps, which have been seamlessly integrated into the new Mustang’s lower profile. And for those who love their Mustang color, a new hue is set to arrive with the 2018 model: Kona Blue.
Post-Release Product Supply
Once the 2018 Ford Mustang hits production lines, mod-fanatic Mustang owners will want to get their hands on the most up-to-date accessories and components. RPI Designs is already working the high-performance product pipeline, as we’re getting ready to launch an all-new collection of parts specifically designed for the 2018 Ford Mustang.
So stay tuned and check back for more information. One thing’s for sure: whenever the 2018 Mustang hits the market, we’ll be here with all the best Mustang performance parts at the best possible prices. Thanks for reading the RPI Designs blog. And while you’re here, make sure to check out our current lineup of 6th generation Ford Mustang parts and accessories!
For any questions about Ford Mustang parts, please call our auto accessory experts today at 888.257.8515.
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